Landlord nightmare: Push for two-year rent freeze, hikes capped

With reports rife of ‘families living in tents’ and ‘workers skipping meals because they can’t afford rising rents’, there’s a push for rents to be frozen for two years. VOTE IN POLL

Residential rents would be frozen across Queensland for two years under new laws to be introduced to state parliament by the Greens.

The minor party will introduce the Bill to parliament next week, with Greens MP Amy MacMahon calling on the Palaszczuk government to “urgently” support their push amid the housing crisis.

Under the Greens’ plan, landlords would be allowed to rent their property only either at or below the rate it was rented for as of August 1 this year.

Greens MP Amy MacMahon. Picture: Liam Kidston

The freeze would be in place for two years from the date the Bill is passed, and from there, caps would be introduced under the legislation that would limit rent increases by up to 2 per cent every two years.

“Every day, we hear stories of families living in tents because they can’t find a secure, affordable home,” Ms MacMahon said.

“We hear stories of workers skipping meals because they can’t afford rising rents.

“We hear stories of everyday people getting evicted because they can’t afford yet another rent rise.”

Ms MacMahon suggested that if landlords could not afford their property investments during the proposed rental freeze period, they could think about selling them off.

“And if that’s the decision that they make, they’re leaving properties open for everyday families to enter the housing market to buy their first home, and I think that would be a good outcome,” she said.

Under the Greens’ plan, landlords would be allowed to rent their property only either at or below the rate it was rented for as of August 1 this year.

“This Bill is about ensuring housing security for everyday Queenslanders.

“I don’t think it’s necessarily our job to be looking after the investment outcomes for investors.”

New properties that come into the market during the freeze period could only be rented at or below the median rental price for the postcode on August 1 this year, under the proposed laws.

The Residential Tenancies Association would also be required to maintain a register of rents to ensure rents remain frozen.

Ms MacMahon said she hoped there would be a vote on her Bill during the current term of parliament.

“Given the gravity of the housing crisis, it would be a very poor reflection on the government to not debate the Bill,” she said.